Menu

A Sports Journalist's Take on the latest sporting news

Thursday Night Football: Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans

Colts receiver Reggie Wayne is QB Andrew Luck’s favourite target

There’s a battle brewing in Houston tonight between the surging Colts and the surprising Texans, who currently are tied for the lead in the division with 3-2 records. Here’s all you need to know as the season enters its middle portion.

When Indianapolis has the ball…
Andrew Luck is the beginning, middle and end of the Indianapolis offense and although he is unable to call on much of a rushing attack he’s still been able to operate a high powered unit so far in 2014. T.Y Hilton and Reggie Wayne are useful weapons on the outside and the offensive line is much improved from last season, which makes the Colts attack one to be feared. Houston are without Jadaveon Clowney, who’s still injured, but with J.J Watt on the line they still have one of the league’s better defensive units. Edge: Colts

When Houston has the ball…
Ryan Fitzpatrick has done an adequate job leading the Texans passing attack, but the star of the offensive show for Houston has really been wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins has surpassed Andre Johnson as the Texans leading wide-out and if the Colts want to stop Houston’s offense they’d do well to start with containing Hopkins. Arian Foster remains a decent option on the ground, so the Texans have a balanced attack in their favour. Edge: Even

Special Teams
Randy Bullock has been solid so far this season for Houston, missing just one of ten field goal attempts in 2014. Adam Vinatieri has gone one better for Indianapolis, making all ten of his kicks this year. Edge: ColtsInjury Report
Clowney has already been ruled out for Houston, while wide receiver Andre Johnson is questionable with an ankle injury. Indianapolis are almost entirely healthy with the exception of Robert Mathis who is already on injured reserve.